Alix Ainsley and Charlotte Cherry have a combined 50+ years working in HR, progressing their careers through global FTSE companies, SMEs, entrepreneurial and partnership organisations.

Their collaboration story starts in 2012, when changes in their lives dramatically shifted their working realities. Determined not to become one of the growing numbers of ‘mid-career’ women fading from the professional landscape, they came up with a plan. They would re-write the rules and share one role; a role where they could combine skills and blend styles. Little did they know how daring this plan would be.

Over the eleven years that followed, Alix and Charlotte have been referred to as ‘trail blazers’ demonstrating a unique working model for organisational performance, personal achievement, career progression and wellbeing at work.

Since leaving the organisation where the job-share started, to take up an inaugural executive job-share position in a new organisation, Alix and Charlotte kickstarted a ‘career-share’ which has now gone far beyond their original expectations of simply sharing a role. Their shared values of collaboration, care, courage and commitment, have enabled them to continue an exceptional performance contribution at work, alongside investment in personal wellbeing. They have navigated further role changes, across companies and sectors, each move making their story even more unique. By role modelling and leading positive disruption, they are proud of the legacy they leave at each organisation they serve, and of the career potential they have unlocked together.

Alix and Charlotte combine a down-to-earth approach, gained from a career in HR partnering, leadership and organisational development, together with a passion for innovation. They bring a fresh perspective to the people agenda and work with leaders, teams and individuals to reframe and develop what it takes to create an environment for achievement and wellbeing. They draw on their experience of leading teams, transforming culture, delivering change, and coaching leaders, and, of course, their own executive level job-share. It is their mission to support people and organisations to think creatively, and a little bit more daringly, about the world they create at work.

Alix and Charlotte were recognised in 2017 by the Timewise organisation and placed in the UK’s ‘50 Power Part Timers’ list.